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“Is residential really necessary?”

It is completely normal to be at a crossroads when considering next steps for your child. Spending most of my career as a therapist in residential settings, I have worked with so many parents who question if residential is the right “next step”. Many other considerations we often hear include boarding schools, therapy camps, wilderness therapy, therapy retreats, and even sober living homes.

You are concerned for your son’s safety.
From self-injurious behaviors to suicidal ideation, there can come a time when parents feel afraid for their son’s wellbeing while recognizing they can’t be with their son 24/7. The residential setting is equipped with a medical team, clinical team, program staff, and management team that works together to provide quality care for their clients.

Traditional outpatient therapy doesn’t seem to be helping anymore.
It is not uncommon that families have tried some form of outpatient medium (i.e. outpatient therapist, life coach, pastor/youth pastor, or school counselor) before considering residential. These mediums can all be beneficial to your son, but sometimes they need more.

Your son’s home environment is not safe at this time.
Sometimes things elevate in the home beyond what you ever imagined. Increased aggression and defiance from your son may be signs that time out of the home and in a safe environment with support and supervision may be best for him.

Early intervention to prevent further disaster is necessary.
Your child’s self-destructive behaviors are becoming increasingly concerning and you are beginning to fear for the worst. Right now he may seem functional, but what about if things progress? Early intervention may be necessary to prevent further disaster.

If you are considering an RTC Program for your child, here are some prompts for discussion with the Admissions team.

• Treatment Approaches: You want to understand the various treatment approaches offered by the treatment center. You may want to know if the center provides evidence-based therapies and if these approaches are tailored to meet the needs of adolescents or young adults.

• Accreditation and Licensing: You want to ensure that the treatment center is accredited and licensed by relevant regulatory bodies. Ask about certifications, qualifications of staff members, and the center’s compliance with industry standards.

• Safety and Security: Parents naturally prioritize the safety and security of their child. You may want to inquire about the facility’s security measures, staff-to-patient ratio, and supervision protocols to ensure your child’s well-being.

• Staff Qualifications and Experience: The qualifications and experience of the staff members who will be working with their child are probably important to you. You may want to know if the staff includes medical professionals, therapists, and counselors who specialize in adolescent or young adult addiction treatment.

• Individualized Treatment Plans: Parents often seek reassurance that the treatment center will develop an individualized treatment plan for their child. You want to know if the center conducts thorough assessments to understand your child’s specific needs and tailors the treatment accordingly.

• Family Involvement and Support: Family involvement in the rehabilitation process is vital. Inquire about family therapy sessions, support groups, or educational programs offered by the center to help parents and siblings understand addiction and support your child’s recovery.

• Educational Support: You may be concerned about your child’s educational needs during treatment. Ask if the rehab center provides educational support, such as on-site schooling or academic coordination with your child’s school, to ensure their education continues during recovery.

• Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: Parents are often interested in knowing about the treatment center’s aftercare plans and relapse prevention strategies. Inquire about the availability of support services and resources post-treatment to help your child maintain sobriety.

• A Proven Approach and Testimonials: Ask about success rates and hear testimonials from previous clients and their families.

• Insurance and Financial Considerations: Understandably, parents often have financial concerns and want to understand the cost of treatment, insurance coverage, and available payment options. You may also want to inquire about any financial assistance or scholarship programs offered by the treatment center.

Here at Capstone, our Admissions Team can address every single one of the concerns referenced above for clients and parents. Capstone is a top-rated residential treatment center, offering therapy programs for young adults 18-26 and teenage boys 14-17, who struggle with a wide range of hurts, addictions, compulsions and other self-destructive behaviors. Get in touch to see if your son would benefit from Capstone and help decide next steps.